About
Sharon Braten Obituary
Sharon Marie Braten, 77, passed away at home on Thursday, November 27, 2025 in Maquon Illinois. Born May 9th, 1948 in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Hammer Maher and Dorothy Mary Neel.
Sharon attended St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria. She spent her early days as a homemaker to her family. Sharon was later employed with Kersh Café in Farmington, Illinois and the Dairy Farm in Elmwood, Illinois.
Sharon married Jack L. Braten in 1966, to this union were three children, Jack (Lori) Braten of St. Augustine, Illinois, Angie Braten of Maquon, Illinois and Tonya (Jim) Donsbach of Maquon, Illinois. She and Jack later divorced. Sharon then met Larry Burnett of Maquon, Illinois and they’ve since been together for 27 years. Sharon is also survived by three sisters, Judy (Ray) Vonderahe of Lincoln, Illinois, Brenda (Jeff) Potter of Princeville, Illinois and Vicky (Steve) Negley of Galva, Illinois; two brothers, Charles Maher of Peoria, Illinois and Danny (Kim) Maher of Roanoke, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Emma, Mark, Paul, Amanda, Travis, Clay and Betsy, along with a magnitude of great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her dog Shadow who was her faithful companion.
Waiting at the gates for her were her parents; one brother, Thomas Maher; one sister, Sandra McIntosh; one granddaughter, Faith Donsbach and one grandson, Steven Donsbach.
Sharon was a hardworking and strong, Irish woman who belonged to the Catholic faith. She loved animals and was an avid reader. Sharon also enjoyed dancing and cooking. Her family describes her as the best nanna in the world.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 5th, 2025 at Maquon United Methodist Church from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Private burial will take place at Maquon cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. The family would like to extend a thank you to Hospice Compassus and Lea Clark, APRN for their loving care of Sharon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and crematory, Galesburg.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Sharon
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Braten
Make a Donation
in Sharon Braten's name
How to support Sharon's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sharon Braten's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
